DISTRICT 55, OR -- One of Central Oregon's newest lawmakers was sworn in Tuesday.

District 55 Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson says she was honored to be given the oath of office by her longtime friend, Secretary of State, Bev Clarno. She plans to get right to work. "Getting to know my District very well, and frankly, just want to see how our District's working together and see how we can represent them in Oregon and talk about local control."

Breese-Iverson is a business owner and realtor, and she believes the skills she's learned growing her professional life will stand her in good stead in Oregon's fractured legislature. "Problem solving is Number 1 in being a realtor, and I do look forward to using those skills in conversations in Salem."

She's taking over mid-term for Mike McLane who retired in July, and she wants to continue his good communication, listening, and problem solving practices for District 55. That starts, Breese-Iverson says, with the County Commissioners from each of the 5 counties District 55 encompasses. "My experience thus far with the local leadership throughout the District has been phenomenal. They're a great group of Commissioners. I look forward to meeting more of the leadership, but the ones that I have met have been very open for communication, which is going to be key in making a difference for them in Salem."

Breese-Iverson wants to use her experiences as a rancher, community leader, and real estate broker to help build a collaborative experience for District 55. It's a large district, and she plans to work hard to represent it. "I want to advocate for the hard-working families of house district 55! I hope I can do as good of a job and build on the success that he's created down here and I do feel like I've got some experience to bring to Salem."

District 55 covers all of Crook County, and parts of Deschutes, Jackson, Klamath, and Lake Counties.